Ex-detective avoids prison in sentencing

HARTFORD — A retired Waterbury detective has avoided prison time in connection to his guilty plea to lying to a federal agent.

The Republican-American reports (http://bit.ly/19RD36E ) that John Maia was ordered Tuesday to a year of probation and home confinement.

The 74-year-old Maia faced up to six months in prison when he appeared in federal court in Hartford. He pleaded guilty in March to lying to IRS agents who were investigating a Woodbury tax preparer in 2010.

Maia said he feels "very extremely humble" and apologized. He said he should have known better.

Maia pleaded guilty to a felony charge of providing a false statement to a federal agent. He was ordered to remain confined to his home for three months, but can leave for work, church and other approved activities.